The Forest of Death Exam

"You're back."

"Mm." Kiyomi sat beside him. "Teacher Sasuke, have you ever taken the Chunin Ninja Exams?"

"I have."

"Was it hard?"

"It was all right," Sasuke said. "But a lot happened back then."

"What happened?"

Sasuke fell silent for a moment.

"Orochimaru attacked the Leaf," he said. "The Third Hokage died in battle."

Kiyomi froze.

"Was it that serious..."

"So be careful," Sasuke said. "The Chunin Ninja Exams aren't just an exam. They're also an opportunity for each village to show off its strength."

"I understand."

Over the next week, Kiyomi trained relentlessly.

Taijutsu, ninjutsu, teamwork...

She practiced every skill over and over.

Boruto and Kawaki worked hard, too.

The three of them grew more and more in sync.

The night before the exam.

Kiyomi lay in bed, unable to sleep.

The exam was tomorrow.

She was both nervous and excited.

"I have to pass," she whispered.

The next morning.

Kiyomi got up early.

She put on her gear and headed for the exam site.

On the way, she ran into Sylvie.

"Today's the exam," Sylvie said.

"Mm." Kiyomi nodded. "Are you nervous?"

"A little."

The two of them headed to the exam site together.

The exam was being held at the Ninja Academy.

A crowd had already gathered outside.

Kiyomi spotted Boruto and Kawaki.

"You made it."

"Mm," Boruto said. "Are you ready?"

"I'm ready."

The three of them entered the exam room.

It was packed with people.

Kiyomi found her seat and sat down.

A ninja from Sunagakure sat in front of her.

That must be Shinra, the one Boruto had mentioned.

He turned around and glanced at Kiyomi.

"From the Leaf?"

"That's right."

"Interesting." Shinra grinned. "I hope you make it to the second exam."

Kiyomi ignored him.

She'd seen plenty of taunts like that.

The